Ian started karate classes last week and he loves it! We started a 5 class session, but I think we will keep him in for a while. He learns so many things from coordination and following direction and not to mention he gets his punching and kicking out of his system!! He's been SO into sword fighting lately, it's a bit exhausting! At his first class he had to break a board to get his belt - it was so cute and he was so excited! <3

When I say we're going to take a picture - "CHEESE!!!"

Wade picked Ian up from school one day and they went out to lunch and this is the picture he sent me. He's just getting so big. <3

I can't remember if I already posted this - but Reed wanted to wear his backpack one day when we were dropping off Ian at preschool. It was so cute I had to document it. And I'm glad I did, it's one of my most favorite recent pictures of them! He just wants to be like his big bro!

Everything super-hero, sword fighting, bad guys, and all.

Florida was a blast. Wade had a conference Tuesday-Friday but then Friday we hit the road and headed to the Florida Keys! We stayed a wonderful family-friendly resort on Duck Key and shared a villa with one of my good friends.

Easter Sunday - matching shirts from Grammy! <3

We met Bill and Christy at a Spring Festival down at a Botanical Garden down near them and Ian got to try out tree climbing equipment and swing. He loved it but when asked what he wanted to be when he grows up he still said a paleontologist. <3

My friend got tickets to Disney on Ice and I got to take Ian the other night. He was SO mesmerized by the show, and had so much fun! It was a very special evening to share with him - I'm not sure who had more fun, him or me.  Love this kid so so so much.

Reed Garrett. My goodness he melts my heart. He's so sweet, happy, and a very easy-going kid. His tantrums don't last long. Most of the time I just have to do is validate how he's feeling (say something like, "I know, you want more candy" after I wouldn't let him) and he just nods and calms down. You can tell TWO is coming, but he never is upset for long. He's got a different personality and I love watching that grow.

A couple of weeks ago he said goodbye to his pacifier. I'm so proud of him. He was so encouraged by pep talks of being a "big boy"... Wade and I would ask him, "are you a big boy?" and he would nod proudly and utter "uh-huh"... Ian also would come in and tell him he didn't need it, he was a big boy and I really think it made a difference. Of course, it took a few times of extra soothing before sleep, but by day 3 he was SO proud and went to sleep with no fuss! He actually thought it was funny to ask for his "ba-ba" and I'd say "you don't need a ba-ba anymore!" and he'd throw his head back and laugh.

And a couple weeks later, Wade and I decided it was time to start putting the boys to bed together. A small adjustment but felt like a big change - they are getting so big! We always put Reed to bed first since he was a baby, but Ian doesn't nap anymore and is tired earlier and Reed doesn't fall asleep right away when we put him to bed. Lots of times he's still awake when we walk Ian in... Ian also started sleeping in later in the mornings so I decided Ian needed an earlier bedtime and we would put them to bed together. They LOVE it. And it's easier for us, too! Brush teeth together, read books together - goodnight!!

The big brother chokehold hug! xoxoxox0